Going to school in a foreign country has always been one of my goals. Unfortunately it has continually been pushed aside due to my busy class or work schedule. Two weeks ago I was able to go on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua supported by ISL. I really didn’t know what to expect upon my arrival except for poverty. My trip turned out to be the most rewarding and most amazing experience I have ever had.
On an average day the group I was with would see close to 50 people. My job was to ask questions to patients about their health concern(s). After collecting information about each patient I would report to the doctor. The doctor would review the information, ask the patient questions when needed, and make a diagnosis. Many patients were diagnosed with fungal infections, parasites, and a variety of other things. Throughout this process I learned so much. I was able to learn a good amount of Spanish and I was able to see what my future may be like as a doctor.
The Nicaraguan people were unbelievably friendly and thankful. It was amazing how happy the children were with so little. The experience really made me count my blessings. I fell in love with the culture and lifestyle in Nicaragua. It is much more relaxed and the people there are content with so much less than Americans. Even with a language barrier I loved interacting with the children and even the adults. It is remarkable how humor and kindness are universal languages.
The people were all very reliant on God and that was touching to see. I had multiple people say to me “God bless you” or “I’ll pray for you”. They did not seem to be worried about being poor or sick. As a Christian, I have so much to learn from these people. Their trust and faith in the Lord is extraordinary.
Some problems that I encountered included a language barrier and a whole lot of sick children! As a group we did our best to see as many patients as possible and prescribe them the right meds or treatment. A major issue in Nicaragua is the average person’s level of education. Approximately 70% of the problems/ sicknesses we encountered could have easily been prevented. For example, many people did not know better than to drink dirty water and run around barefoot. Fungal infections on the skin were popular as well as stomach and headaches from an unhealthy diet. While interviewing patients we found that many had only a few years schooling if not any. By simply educating the Nicaraguan people we could save lives and prevent so much suffering.
On this trip I learned so much about life and love in general. Life is not about getting everything you want and doing whatever you want. It is about being happy with what God has given you. I was able to see this first hand among the Nicaraguan people.
I had such a good time living and helping the impoverished people in Nicaragua that I am going back to Nicaragua next week. I will attend Ave Maria University near Managua. Hopefully, I will be allowed to volunteer in the hospital while I am there. This experience helped to shape my plans for my future. I would like to become a doctor and work for the Doctors without Borders program. This is a program that sends doctors all over the world to where people need health care most.
Posted on
Thu, January 19, 2012
by dery